How To Prepare For Tax Season

Would you rather file your taxes or go without your phone for a week? 28% of Americans dread tax season so much they’d voluntarily give up their cell phones just to avoid it. Since you have to face it eventually, the sooner you get everything in order the sooner you can shake off that looming stress and focus on things you love instead. Don’t be one of the 29 million people who file their taxes at the last minute. Start preparing now and give yourself a head start on tax season!

1. Get Organized

Taxes equals plenty of paperwork. The best way to avoid mistakes or miss out on possible deductions is to get all your documents in order before you start filling out your forms. Make sure you have records of the most common documents you’ll need, such as:

W-2, 1099, or other records of income

Records of charitable contributions over $250

Information from prior years’ tax returns

Rental income

Mortgage interest and property taxes paid

Dividend income

Childcare costs

Medical expenses

Make a master list of all the forms and documents you need, even using last year’s return to remind you what your unique situation requires. As each document arrives in the mail, check it off and add it to your pile. Your organizational efforts today will make filing easier and faster in the end. To make it easier, we’ve created a handy checklist for you – download it now.

2. Take Advantage of Deductions and Credits

Benjamin Franklin may have declared that “nothing is certain except death and taxes,” but that doesn’t mean you can’t do your best to reduce your tax bill. Fortunately, there are multiple credits and deductions that will not only benefit you this tax season but also serve to give your financial future a boost.

Make Deductions Work For You

Just because we’ve turned the calendar to 2018 doesn’t mean you can’t maximize your retirement savings and reap the rewards on your 2017 taxes. If your employer offers a 401(k), you can contribute up to $18,000 in 2017. If you are over 50, you can also take advantage of catch-up contributions of an additional $6,000. If you don’t have the opportunity to save through an employer-sponsored plan, you can still invest in an IRA, depending on your income.

Contributions to HSAs (health savings accounts) are also an excellent option to reduce your total taxable income. The 2017 contribution limits for HSAs are $3,400 for an individual or $6,750 for a family. You can also make a $1,000 catch-up contribution if you are over 55.

For the 2017 tax year, you have until April 17th to contribute to HSAs, Roth and traditional IRAs, SEP IRAs and self-employed 401(k)s to benefit from this deduction, so jump on this opportunity to build your nest egg and reduce your taxable income while you can!

Some additional deductions that may also apply to you are state sales tax on major purchases, student loan interest, and medical and dental expenses.

3. Reevaluate Your Filing Status

Have you experienced a life change this year, such as marriage, divorce, or the birth of a child? Any of these milestones will affect your filing status, which determines your tax rates, deductions, and eligibility for credits. Make sure you are filing under the correct status so you don’t face unnecessary penalties or taxes.

4. Find A Professional You Can Trust

Did you know that over one million accountants are hired each year in America to help with taxes? There’s a reason for that. Working with a qualified and experienced accountant can makeyour tax season experience as seamless and stress-free as possible. They have the knowledge to help you claim all the deductions you deserve, account for many variables unique to your situation, and answer any and all questions you may have. Their expertise can save you money and give you peace of mind.

Not only that, but a CPA will also provide suggestions that will help you reduce your taxes for years to come, such as offering advice on tax-friendly ways to set up your estate and showing you the benefits of maximizing your retirement savings. Regardless of what your financial situation looks like, you can’t put a price on the value a CPA provides. At The Athena Network, we not only take the lead to coordinate your finances with your other financial professionals, but we also offer resources to identify, research, and vet qualified CPAs for you, so you can have full confidence in the service you are receiving.

Tax day is looming nearer, but don’t let that stress you out. Between now and April 17th, take these steps to get ready for tax season so you aren’t scrambling at the last minute. If you have any questions about how to set yourself up for financial success or would like information on how to find the right CPA for you, click this link to schedule a call.

About Lisa

Lisa Strohm, CFP®, MBA is the founder and CEO of The Athena Network and Good Life Advisors of the Lehigh Valley, fee-based wealth management firms. She specializes in providing financial planning, investment management, and life management services for women and their families across the U.S. With more than 16 years of industry experience, she sets her firms apart from traditional wealth management companies by focusing on providing clients with an educational, collaborative, supportive experience that inspires her clients to engage in their financial lives. If you have a question, please click this link to schedule a phone call today. To learn more, visit https://the-athena-network.com/ or connect with Lisa on LinkedIn and Facebook.

Investment advice and financial planning offered through Good Life Advisors, LLC, a registered investment advisor. Good Life and The Athena Network are separate entities.